LEMPUYANG TEMPLE BALI – Visit the famous Gates of Heaven in Bali
The Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple in east Bali has some of the best views on Mount Agung and is a super photogenic place with the two white gates. Also known as the ‘Gates of Heaven’, this sacred temple is a must visit in Bali. Throughout the years the Lempuyang temple has become a huge Instagram hit which makes it a very popular place to visit. Therefore you should take into account that it can be busy. An early visit to Lempuyang Temple is recommended to beat the crowds and be some of the first in line. But you will also have the highest chance of clear views on Mount Agung. During the day the volcano often disappears in the clouds. In this complete and up to date guide after our visit in March 2022 you’ll find all the info you need before visiting the famous Lempuyang temple Bali.
All our photos are reserved for copyright. We don’t allow the usage of our pictures for informational or commercial purposes. If you want to use our pictures, you can buy a license. Contact us by email for more information to prevent legal problems.
Best tours to Pura Lempuyang Luhur
If you’re planning to visit the Lempuyang temple and some other beautiful places in East Bali, then these are the best guided tours. All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- East Bali 2 day tour. Discover the beauty of East Bali during this 2 day tour including a visit to Lempuyang Luhur temple, Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung water temple, the black sand beaches and a Chocolate Factory visit.
- Lempuyang and Besakih temple tour. Visit some of the best temples that Bali has to offer. Lempuyang temple with the famous view on Mount Agung, the mother temple Besakih, Tirta Gangga water palace and a delicious lunch.
- 3 days tour; Hike Mount Batur, explore east Bali, Lempuyang temple, Ubud and Nusa Penida. Get the best of Bali and Nusa Penida during this 3 days tour. Watch the sunrise on Mount Batur, see the best of East Bali, Ubud and visit beautiful Nusa Penida island.
- Bali Instagram tour; visit Lempuyang temple, Tirta Gangga, Tukad Cepung waterfall, jungle swimg and rice terraces Ubud
How to get to Pura Lempuyang Luhur
The Lempuyang temple is located in East Bali in the region of Abang. From the main tourist areas in Bali such as Kuta, Canggu and Seminyak it is a crazy long drive and not the most ideal to visit with sunrise. From the Canggu area it is about 2,5 hours, if not longer with the car, to get to Lempuyang. Therefore I would recommend to stay a few days in East Bali and discover this beautiful area. Some places you might want to check out to stay are Manggis, Candidasa and Amed. From these spots you can perfectly visit other amazing places in East Bali.
Entrance fee Pura Lempuyang Luhur
The entrance fee for Lempuyang temple in 2022 is 100 000 IDR per person for tourists. If you are a KITA holder the entrance fee is 30.000 IDR per person. The rent for a sarong is included in this price. If you bring your own sarong you can wear it as well of course.
Opening times Lempuyang temple Bali
The official opening times for Pura Lempuyang Luhur are daily from 6 AM until 7 PM. However with special celebrations and ceremonies the temple might be closed for tourists. To be sure you’re not driving all the way to the far east in Bali for a closed temple, you might want to check with a local if there are special ceremony days coming up to plan your visit to Pura Lempuyang Luhur.
Best time to visit Lempuyang temple Bali
The common rule to see clear volcano views in Bali is to be as early as possible. But that’s not the only reason to visit the Lempuyang temple as early as possible. Thanks to Instagram this temple complex is enormously popular and you can expect a line to take your picture. On some days it is even so busy that every visitor gets a number and about 5 minutes maximum to take a picture at the gates.
If you’re one of the only ones at Pura Lempuyang Luhur, then count yourself lucky, because that is very rare. So overall sunrise time is the best time to visit Pura Lempuyang Luhur because it gives you the highest chance of clear volcano views and beautiful soft morning light for pictures. However, you have to keep in mind that the sun rises behind you when you’re facing the gates. And because there’s a mountain behind you, it takes a little while before the light hits the gates.
Sunset might be another great option to visit Lempuyang temple, however there is a higher chance that Mount Agung is covered in clouds. If you’re staying nearby with views on Mount Agung, you can eventually check if Agung is clear in the afternoon and then decide if you make your way to the Lempuyang temple. With sunset the light comes from the direction of Agung which also gives some challenges with shadows.
About Pura Lempuyang Luhur
The Lempuyang temple is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Bali. It is part of one of the six holiest places of worship in Bali and lies at 600 meters above sea level. According to the Balinese beliefs, the six sanctuaries of Bali are the pivotal points of the island and meant to provide spiritual balance. The other five holiest places of worship in Bali are Pura Besakih, Pura Goa Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu which are all Balinese Hindu temples.
While the famous white gates with views on Mount Agung are generally known as Pura Lempuyang temple, the official name of this temple is Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang.
The temple at the summit of Mount Lempuyang at 1175 meters is Pura Lempuyang Luhur and can be reached after a hike up the mountain. Along the way you can see the other highly regarded temples which are part of this temple complex.
The white painted split gates of the Lempuyang temple is a classical Balinese and Javanese gateway and dates back to the 13th and 14th century. The two sides of the gate represent the Balinese concept of duality and the importance of maintaining a balance between dark and light forces. Also known as the ‘Bali gates of heaven’, the Lempuyang temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali with its unique sight on Mount Agung volcano.
What to expect at Lempuyang temple Bali
After you’ve payed the entrance fee and covered your legs with a sarong it’s time to go inside the temple complex. From the ticket booth it’s only a 5 minute walk up the hill before you get to the Bali gates of heaven. Upon arrival at the temple entrance you will be greeted by a local man who will splash some holy water on your head as a blessing.
According to your ticket number you will know when it’s your turn to take a picture inside the gates. However, don’t only focus on these gates of heaven because there is more to see when you look around.
Take some time to appreciate the beautiful details of the Pura Lempuyang temple such as the stone carvings and statues that can be found all over the temple complex.
The reflection photo at Lempuyang temple
Maybe you’ve seen some of the famous photos of Pura Lempuyang Bali with reflection. Logically you think there’s a perfect little pond in front of the temple. Well, there’s not. It is a camera trick with a mirror which is held underneath the lens to create this effect. So don’t be disappointed when you visit the Luhur Lempuyang Temple, because there is no water to reflect the temple gates. A local can take these pictures for you with your phone if you want for a small tip.
Things to know before visiting Lempuyang temple
Some of the things you should take into before visiting the gateway to heaven in Bali is that the temple is a religious site. This means that you need to dress appropriately and behave respectful. There is a sign in the temple with these rules, but here a summary:
- Cover your legs with a sarong. If you’re wearing a sleeveless shirt you’ll need to cover your shoulders as well. Both men and women.
- Don’t fly a drone.
- Wait patiently on your turn to take pictures at the gate.
- Don’t kiss.
- Don’t do yoga poses, especially lifting your feet too high of the ground isn’t allowed.
- Women on period are not allowed.
- In need of a drink or snack? Outside of the temple complex are enough little shacks where you can buy these.
More things to do around Lempuyang temple
After exploring the beautiful Lempuyang temple it is time to see more of Bali. In the close area of Lempuyang Luhur temple are many more beautiful spots to visit. Below some of the best things to do and see in East Bali. You can perfectly combine these spots with a visit to Lempuyang Luhur temple.
- Lahangan Sweet Mount Agung viewpoint
- Tirta Gangga water palace
- Tukad Cepung waterfall
- Taman Ujung water palace
- Bukit Cinta Mount Agung viewpoint
Also check out the best things to do in Sidemen and our list with the best things to do in Amed.
Lahangan Sweet viewpoint is some of our favorite viewpoints in Bali
More Bali travel inspiration
I hope you enjoyed our complete guide about the beautiful Lempuyang temple in Bali.
For more Bali travel inspiration, head over to our other Bali blog posts.
14 best waterfalls in Bali – The Complete Guide
Bali itinerary – Ultimate guide with all the best things to do
This post may contain affiliate links
We hope this guide will help you plan your travels! If you consider booking your accommodation, tours or rental car via our affiliate links, you support this blog because we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!